When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it turns the lives of the entire family upside down. The Kids with Cancer Society (KWCS), based in Edmonton, Alberta, has been providing crucial support to these families since 1979. Founded by parents who experienced firsthand the emotional and financial challenges of pediatric cancer, the Society was created to ensure that no child or family faces the journey alone.
KWCS focuses on helping families in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, offering a wide range of free services designed to support the emotional, practical, and financial needs of children with cancer and their families. The Society’s mission is rooted in providing personalized, compassionate care from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and, when needed, bereavement.
The KWCS House, located near the Stollery Children’s Hospital, serves as the heart of the organization. It offers a warm, supportive space for counselling, workshops, peer support, and recreational activities. For families who must travel long distances for treatment, Papa Ken’s House provides free accommodations, helping families stay together during challenging times without the added stress of temporary housing costs.
KWCS delivers a wide variety of support programs. Emotional support includes counselling for parents, children, and siblings, along with group programs like Caregivers Connect, Creative Hearts, and the Little Heroes Club for younger children. Teen programs, including #Trending, offer peer support during a time when social connections are especially important.
Beyond emotional care, KWCS provides experiences that create lasting, joyful memories. Programs like Camp Beat It, along with seasonal parties and special outings, give families a break from the stress of cancer treatment and a chance to bond with others who truly understand their journey.
Educational support is also a key focus. Programs like BrainWorks help children manage the learning challenges that can come with treatment disruptions or cognitive effects related to cancer. KWCS ensures that kids remain connected to school and supported academically.
Financial relief is a vital service. The Society helps families cover costs like parking, transportation, meals, and emergency expenses, as well as offering bereavement support when needed.
KWCS also invests in pediatric cancer research and helps fund hospital equipment and child-life services, improving care for children both now and in the future.
The Society operates without government funding, relying entirely on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events like Horsepower for Hope. Just click on the link here if you want to help out with a donation to the cause: https://thestreetsinitiative.org/edmontonians-love-donating/
Also feel free to visit http://www.kidswithcancer.ca for more information on different ways you can help out!
